By Joy Grace
May 21, Nkpor, Anambra State 2025. A longstanding dispute over a federal government property located under the Nkpor flyover in Anambra State took a new turn today as members of the Amafor Community staged a peaceful protest, demanding that both Business Link Ltd. and the Idemili North Local Government vacate what they claim is ancestral land.
Led by their community chairman, Engr. Idemili Emmanuel (popularly known as EmmaGOLD), the demonstrators carried placards and voiced their grievances against what they described as encroachment on their land. The protestors insist that the land, originally granted to their forefathers by the federal government, is now being unfairly controlled by private interests and government authorities.
During the protest, Pechilly Investigative contacted Barr. Raphael Asha Nnabuife, the CEO of Business Link Ltd., who defended his company’s presence on the land. He claimed that an agreement exists between the Anambra State Government, the Idemili North Local Government, and his company. According to him, the deal stipulates that Business Link receives 60% of the revenue from the park operations, while the Amafor Community receives 17% and the local government 23%. Barr. Nnabuife further stated that his company’s larger share is to offset a debt of N80 million owed by the state government.
However, the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government, Hon. Stanley Nwokoma, disputed this account. In a telephone interview, he emphasized that the park is solely under the jurisdiction of the local government and that neither Business Link nor the Amafor Community has been officially authorized to manage or control the property. “For peace to reign, the park will be managed exclusively by the local government,” Hon. Nwokoma asserted, adding that any revenue generated would be distributed accordingly, but without ceding control.
Tensions remain high as the Amafor Community insists that the matter is currently in court. Chief Raphael Obi, the oldest elder in the community, passionately called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to intervene. “This land is ours. Many have died because of this dispute. Until the court decides, no one should tamper with the land,” he declared.
Supporting this stance, Comrade Osi Aja Okoye, Secretary of the Amafor Community, reiterated that the federal government initially gave the land to their community without permission for permanent structures. He revealed that a reaffirmation letter had been issued, declaring the land theirs “for eternity.”
As the legal battle continues, the land under Nkpor flyover remains a flashpoint of tension, with the community determined to defend what they see as their birthright, while government officials and private interests press their claims.
The Amafor community continues to experience tensions in its ongoing clash involving the Business Link group and the Idemili North Local Government. Despite the conflict, the community has remained consistent in fulfilling its financial obligations to the state government.
According to Engr. Idemili Emmanuel (popularly known as EmmaGOLD), Amafor has duly paid its monthly revenue to the Anambra State Government, including the most recent payment for this month.
“This is my evidence of payment of revenue to the government,” said Mr. Idemili as he presented proof of the latest transaction.
In a public appeal, Engr. Emmanuel stated that the community is also open to remitting revenue directly to the Idemili North Local Government if the local chairman so desires. He emphasized the community’s willingness to cooperate while maintaining that their contributions to state development should not be overlooked.
It is important to note that the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, and the community awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The Amafor community calls for calm and urges all parties to allow due process to prevail.
(Stay tuned matter still Dey come) Pechilly Investigative will continue to monitor this developing story.
